An investigation of learners' symbol sense and interpretation of letters in early algebraic learning

摘要

Research in early algebra is critical because a smooth transition from arithmetic toudalgebra will influence future algebra learning that is central to school mathematics.udThis study investigated learners’ interpretation of letters in different levels ofudgeneralised arithmetic activities. Thirty grade nine learners from one inner city schooludparticipated in this study. All learners engaged with seventeen paper and pencil tasksudencompassing six different interpretations of letters and six learners were thenudinterviewed.udAnalysis of the data showed that the overall performance of learners was very poorudand most learners have not been successful in making the transition from arithmetic toudalgebra. Learner responses suggested a strong arithmetical influence and a poorudunderstanding of algebraic letter and basic manipulative skills. Throughout the data audnumber of misconceptions surfaced which suggested that most learners in this sampleudwere lacking ‘symbol sense’.